Squeeze dispenser

ABSTRACT

A squeeze food dispenser has a reusable body that holds food and a nipple that has a recessed opening that dispenses food to a user. Food is dispensed by the user squeezing the body and/or sucking on the nipple.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to food and liquid dispensers and more particularly to such dispensers that are squeezable.

2. Related Art

Dispensers for food and/or liquid provide numerous benefits. For example, dispensers allow people to consume food/liquid on-the-go, such as in cars, parks, etc., without spilling, and allow children to consume food/liquid without the help of others.

Such dispensers come in many different shapes, sizes, models, and construction, which is due in part to the many different uses of the dispensers. A basic dispenser is simply a bottle that allows a person to consume liquids or other contents by simply pouring the contents into the person's mouth when the container is opened. However, this type of container can be messy, as liquids tend to spill out during use, especially with younger children or older adults or when there are sudden movements.

To address this, dispensers are available that only dispense contents when they are squeezed, such as sport water bottles. However, these bottles are hard for young children and older adults to user, in addition to being impractical to dispense contents that are thicker than liquid. To dispense more solid contents, such as purees, sauces, etc., dispensable squeeze containers can be used. These too suffer disadvantages, such as being single-use and likely to spill the contents if the user is not careful, again with smaller children and older adults.

Thus, there is a need for a dispenser that overcomes the disadvantages with conventional dispensers, especially for use by young children and older adults.

SUMMARY

According to one embodiment, a squeeze dispenser includes a squeezable body that contains contents for dispensing through a nipple-like structure having a semi-closed, semi-flexible opening. In one embodiment, the opening comprises two perpendicular bisecting slits formed through a semi-flexible material, such as silicone. Due to the rigidity of the material and the limited opening through the slits, contents inside the body may not spill out unless the user intends to dispense the contents, especially if the contents are thicker than liquids. For example, baby foods, pureed foods, sauces, etc., the user would have to squeeze the body and/or suck from the opening in order to dispense the contents.

Such a squeeze dispenser may enable younger children and senior adults to dispense food, while reducing the possibility of spilling. The squeezable body, which in one embodiment, is made from silicone, can be easily washed and re-used. The nipple-like structure can also be washed easily, such as by detaching it from the body.

These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be more readily apparent from the detailed description of the embodiments set forth below taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a capped squeeze dispenser according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view of the capped squeeze dispenser of FIG. 1 along line A-A;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the capped squeeze dispenser of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a nipple for the squeeze dispenser according to one embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a top view of the nipple of FIG. 4 according to one embodiment; and

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of the nipple of FIG. 5.

Embodiments of the present disclosure and their advantages are best understood by referring to the detailed description that follows. It should be appreciated that like reference numerals are used to identify like elements illustrated in one or more of the figures, wherein showings therein are for purposes of illustrating embodiments of the present disclosure and not for purposes of limiting the same.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a capped squeeze dispenser 100 according to one embodiment. Dispenser 100 includes a squeezable body 102, a cap ring 104 that fits over body 102, a locking ring 106 that secures to cap ring 104, a cap 108 that fits over locking ring 106, and a strap 110 that connects cap 108 and locking ring 106. In different embodiments, cap 108 can be connected to body 102, directly or indirectly. Body 102 is made of a squeezable and food-safe material, such as silicone, although other materials may also be suitable. Body can be see-through, semi-transparent, or opaque. At least a semi-transparency enables the contents or amount of content to be seen.

FIG. 2 shows a sectional view of dispenser 100 along sectional line A-A of FIG. 1. Edible or drinkable contents 202 are held directly within body 102, such that the contents can be poured directly into body 102 and poured or squeezed out of body 102. In one embodiment, contents 202 are semi-liquid foods, such as sauces (e.g., apple sauce), pureed fruits, pureed vegetables, pureed blends, pureed foods, baby foods, etc. In other embodiments, the contents may be thicker or more liquid, as long as they are consumable by humans. As used herein, food refers to anything consumable by humans.

Dispenser 100 also includes a nipple 204 that is secured to body 102 through cap ring 104 and locking ring 106. In particular, nipple 204 is secured to locking ring 106 and then securing locking ring 106 onto cap ring 104, such as by screwing. Cap ring 104 fits over body 102. In different embodiments, other securing mechanisms may be used, such as snap-fits. Nipple 204, in one embodiment, is made from silicone, although other materials may also be suitable. Nipple 204 allows contents 202 within body 102 to be dispensed to the user when desired. Cap 108 snaps over nipple 204 and onto locking ring 106 to keep the nipple clean and prevent unwanted spillage of contents 202.

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of dispenser 100. As seen from FIG. 3, cap ring 104 fits over an opening 300 in body 102. Cap ring 104 includes a threaded neck 302 and a lip 304, although lip 304 may be omitted in different embodiments. Threaded neck 302 allows locking ring 106 to be screwed onto cap ring 104, while lip 304 enables nipple 204 to sit on cap ring 104. Cap ring 104 can be formed from a hard plastic or other suitable material, such as a food safe acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). Nipple 204, which can be formed of a clear silicone, is secured to cap ring 106 , then 106 locks onto 104 by tightening locking ring 106 onto cap ring 104. Locking ring 106 also has an opening that allows nipple 204 to fit through, but the opening does not span the entire diameter of locking ring 106. This prevents nipple 204 from unintentionally slipping through the opening and disengaging from dispenser 100. Cap 108 snaps onto locking ring 106 to protect nipple 204. In one embodiment, cap 108 is a clear polycarbonate material and BPA-free, although other materials may also be suitable.

FIGS. 4-6 show one or more embodiment of nipple 204. As seen in FIG. 4, nipple 204 has a base 402 having ridges 404 that enable locking ring 106 to secure the nipple so it does not squeeze through locking ring 106. Nipple 204 tapers upward to an opening 406 that releases contents of the dispenser to the user, such as when the user's mouth is placed over nipple 204 and the user squeezes the body and/or sucks on the nipple.

FIG. 5 is a top view and FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of nipple 204. In this embodiment, nipple 204 is asymmetric with a cross-shaped opening 502 for dispensing contents. Cross-shaped opening 502 is recessed within nipple 204, as opposed to being at the end or on top of nipple 204. As seen from FIG. 6, the cross-shaped pattern is formed through an otherwise solid section of the nipple. In one embodiment, the solid piece is approximately 0.08″ thick and is recessed approximately 0.2″ from the top of the nipple. A thicker and/or more rigid material for the solid piece makes it more difficult for the contents to be dispensed, but may also reduce the likelihood of accidental spillage. The slits forming the cross-shape are approximately 0.25″ in length. The slits can be formed by cutting the material with a razor or other similar tool or method. The width of the slits is typically the width of the razor and can be very small. Note that other shapes, sizes, and placements may also be suitable. For example, the opening may include three, four, or more intersecting lines of the same or different widths. Wider slits, a larger number of slits, and/or more flexible flaps allow contents to be dispensed more easily, which may be desirable for higher density contents and/or intended use by smaller children or more senior adults with less strength and/or coordination.

The narrow slits formed in a flexible material prevents thicker contents, such as purees or sauces, from leaking out if the dispenser. The flexible material, however, does allow contents to be dispensed when desired, such as when the user squeezes the body to force contents out through the opening and/or the user sucks the nipple to pull contents through the opening as the slaps created by the slits pull upward.

By having cross-shaped opening 502 recessed within the nipple, a reservoir is formed at the top of the nipple. This reservoir enables expelled contents to stay in the nipple for at least a short period of time. As a result, the contents are less likely to spill or make a mess.

For example, the user may be able to consume the contents in the reservoir or dump them out. Without the reservoir, expelled contents may immediately spill out if the user does not consume them. In other embodiments, opening 502 may include a one-way valve assembly or flap that allows contents to only exit the body, but not enter the body through the nipple.

As described herein, the squeeze dispenser provides an easy-to-use food/liquid dispenser that is re-usable and minimizes risks of spilling or waste. In a typical use case, a parent fills the body with a food product, such as pureed carrots. If the cap ring was not already in place, it can be placed over the opening of the body. The nipple is then placed over the cap ring, and the locking ring is screwed onto the cap ring to secure the nipple to the body. The dispenser is now ready for use. For example, the parent/caregiver gives the squeeze dispenser to a child/elderly/handicapped, such as in a car, airplane, stroller, shopping cart, etc. The child/elderly/handicapped can then eat the puree by squeezing the body and/or sucking the nipple, depending on various factors, such as how hard the child/elderly/handicapped squeezes and/or sucks, the amount of food in the body, and the thickness of the food. Once the child/elderly/handicapped is finished eating, the cap, which is still attached, can be placed over the nipple. The dispenser can then be kept for later use or cleaning. Any remaining content may be saved, such as by pouring the contents back into another container.

When the parent/caregiver is ready to clean or re-fill the dispenser, the cap is removed, and the locking ring is unscrewed to remove the nipple. The ring cap may also be removed from the body. All components may then be washed, such as with a machine or by hand. Alternatively, the parent may simply re-fill the body with the same or a different food, and reassemble the dispenser for use.

When the parent/caregiver is ready to clean or re-fill the dispenser, the cap is removed, and the locking ring is unscrewed to remove the nipple. The ring cap may also be removed from the body. All components may then be washed, such as with a machine or by hand. Alternatively, the parent may simply re-fill the body with the same or a different food, and reassemble the dispenser for use.

The foregoing disclosure is not intended to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms or particular fields of use disclosed. As such, it is contemplated that various alternate embodiments and/or modifications to the present disclosure, whether explicitly described or implied herein, are possible in light of the disclosure. For example, contents may not be directly stored in the body. A separate storage compartment may be used, such that squeezing the body forces the contents through the nipple. Also, different nipple shapes and sizes, as well as different openings may be suitable. Having thus described embodiments of the present disclosure, persons of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Thus, the present disclosure is limited only by the claims. 

1. A dispenser, comprising: a squeezable body for holding a food; a nipple attachable to the body for dispensing the food to a user when the body is squeezed by the user, wherein the nipple comprises a recessed portion having a slit opening; and a mechanism to secure the nipple to the body.
 2. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the food is held directly within the squeezable body.
 3. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the recessed portion comprises two intersecting slit openings.
 4. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a ring cap and a locking ring, with the nipple secured between the ring cap and the locking ring.
 5. The dispenser of claim 4, wherein the ring cap and the locking ring have corresponding threads.
 6. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the body is at least semi-transparent.
 7. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the squeezable body is washable and reusable.
 8. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the nipple comprises a reservoir having a bottom defined by the recessed portion.
 9. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the food is a semi-solid food product.
 10. The dispenser of claim 9, wherein the food product comprises a puree.
 11. The dispenser of claim 1, wherein the mechanism comprises a locking ring that secures to the body.
 12. A squeezable food dispenser, comprising: a reusable flexible body adapted to hold food directly within the body and having an opening for moving the food into and out of the body; a nipple overlying the opening of the body, wherein the nipple comprises a recessed opening that delivers the food to the user when the body is squeezed and the nipple is sucked by the user; and a ring to secure the nipple to the body.
 13. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 12, wherein the opening is formed through a solid layer within a reservoir of the nipple.
 14. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 13, wherein the opening comprises two intersecting slit openings.
 15. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a ring cap, with the nipple secured between the ring cap and the ring.
 16. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 12, wherein the body is at least semi-transparent.
 17. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 12, wherein the food is a semi-solid food product.
 18. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 12, further comprising a cap adapted to cover the nipple.
 19. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 18, further comprising a cord having one end connected to the cap for securing the cap to the ring.
 20. The squeezable food dispenser of claim 19, wherein the cord has another end connected to the ring. 